5 Tips for Staying Motivated

​After a year of fighting burnout and lacking in creative motivation, I changed my perspective at the beginning of 2024. Hanging out in the dark dungeons of melancholy or fear is no place for a Daughter of the King. As believers, we have tools at our disposal to help us step back into the light of life and walk out our purpose.

First, I want to caveat this with the understanding that depression and anxiety are real emotions that might need more than a pep-talk to get over. Anyone suffering from true depression needs to reach out and seek help. You are not meant to walk that path alone, got me?

For this post, I’m simply talking about suffering from burnout, worry, and a lack of confidence in oneself that halts our progress and keeps us from thriving in our calling as believers. I came to this understanding late last year and began to find ways to wake up my heart and love for being a creative and artist. Now, you may be thinking, “I’m not an artist, and I’m certainly not creative.” 

Well, that’s okay. I think this post can still be for you. We all have moments of drearies as I call my moody days when getting out of bed is a challenge. I believe these 5 tips to stay motivated are pretty much universal and I hope you’ll find a bit of encouragement to step up, straighten your shoulders and get on with the journey of your life. We all were given a purpose in this world to make our little sphere of the universe a better place.

Are you ready?
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Let’s get moving--

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1. First and foremost, it’s imperative that as believers, we stay rooted in our faith.

Something I’ve learned is that starting my day in a quiet mode has done wonders for sparking my creativity and sense of purpose. Whether I’m reading the Bible, a devotional study, or simply being quiet and journaling questions and concerns I have, it helps me to ground myself for the day.

The Lord will meet us in those moments.

“The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you.” 2 Chronicles 15:2 NIV

He will offer guidance and I believe he delights in helping us find answers to our questions.

Photo by Rod Long on Unsplash

1. Surround yourself with like-minded people

Be they creatives, artists, writers, or a group who has similar likes to your own. Do you enjoy studying the word? Join a Bible study group. Meet at a local coffee shop or in someone’s home. Consider where you can share your talents with others and find ways to gather with them.

For creatives, I’ve found groups on Facebook that are a wealth of inspiration and support. I enjoy joining writing sprints where we write for 20-25 minutes, then “chat” in the comments about our progress or things going on in our life. It’s fun and keeps this isolating work I’ve chosen as my career from being so lonely.

There is strength in numbers. There is a sense of joy and comfort in finding people who love what you love and want to encourage you instead of berating your for your life choices.
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Hey, being in the wrong group can open this door. Shut it fast and go find your people. They’re out there.

Photo by Kelsey Chance on Unsplash

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1. Embrace your unique perspective: Celebrate your individuality and use it as a source of inspiration.

You are not a cookie-cutter creation. You were designed to be unique, unlike anyone else. Accept your uniqueness. Don’t try to hide it, it’s what makes you…YOU!

Why? Because the world needs your special perspective. Your gifts whatever they might be.
In my Chronicle books, gifts are important. Jarin and Carah from the White Road Chronicles series were both warriors. But they each had variations of that talent. Jerin was masterful with a slingshot, and good with sword and mace. He grew into becoming a leader. Carah fought with weapons, but also her voice. She could challenge the troops to fight for their King, and her battle songs frightened the enemy, as well.

Yes, this is a story, but I wrote it based on what I’ve experienced in real life. Even if the market is saturated with books, even fantasy books, they are not like the ones I write, with my particular voice. My style might not be for everyone, but it’s reached a good number of people who’ve enjoyed the books I’ve written and have gotten a lot out of them.

That’s the way it’s supposed to be.

So be the best YOU that you can be.

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1. Set achievable goals: Break down your artistic aspirations into smaller, manageable goals to stay motivated.

No matter what goals or aspirations you set for yourself, do not fall into the trap of doing too much. Balance is the key. Be realistic with your time and what you’re able to do in that time.

I like to time block, meaning I have set times to write (1-2 hours) depending on what’s going on that day. I make sure I do this every day.

I also block out time for artistic projects: covers, illustrating, or just playing with paint or other media. That time after lunch is when I can explore and figure out my style. I get work done when it needs to be done, but I also make time to just play and prefect my skills.

If we overload our days, then getting everything done is nearly impossible. And I don’t know about you, but a list of un-completed tasks makes my heart sink. Even if I did check off a good amount of what I had planned. I’ve had to realign my thinking on this, and as I’ve learned the Art of Slow Living, I’ve learned to understand me and my capabilities. I no longer compare myself to what others are doing. I’m only accountable to myself and God.

He’s a pretty understanding boss, if you ask me.

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

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1. Finally…Most Importantly, celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Be kind to yourself. This has been a hard lesson for me because I want to do ALL THE THINGS. I’ve learned to accept that it’s simply not possible.

But I can pick one project and work on it. Then celebrate when it’s done. Find someway to reward yourself. And don’t hesitate to make a big deal when you’ve accomplished something great.

So, what are you needing to find motivation for? Did these tips help? If so, let me know in the comments. I have more to share but felt this was enough for now.

And if you’ve never heard of The White Road Chronicle series before, click on the picture below to learn more. If you love books with a subtle message and loads of little feel-good nuggets, this might be the next reading adventure for you.
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Blessings to you all, until next time--
J. Castle